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Its called models in engineering.

Well, Im not trying to be a pain, but, I just thought if the companines can say that X seer is 10, 20, 30 percent more than X seer that using a control model one could get an idea of costs. I do understand it's not that easy to figure out, but hey, this is the age of the computer and I"d think that a model could be generated along with the load calcs to estimate costs. Perhaps the units are just not that predictable.

I would think that if you took a 10 seer 5 ton unit that it draws X amount of electricity, and that amount times the cost per KW (which is 6.5cents) in my area one could come up with an estimateed cost. Now when you go to the 14 seer that 5 ton unit will use X amount of electricty and times 6.5 cents I'd come up with the difference, perhaps that's just the way my mind works.

As for cars, the industry for cars gives a average MPG, it's listed on each window with a range, for example, my car shows a 24 - 28 MPG range, but, 3 trips lately I got over 30 mpg. now that made me happy..

I guess I can use the 10%, 20% and other "Savings" factor and try to justify the extra costs but, right now I've not been able to see a justification of 70% increase in equiptment cost.

I"d just be happy to see a list of unit costs per ton, I have seen them on many manufactures equipt like Reem, Rudd, and Goodman I can see the delta difference between the 10 seer and 14 seer units in the same family, and the increase range from 20 to 30% in equiptment costs so that again makes me question a 70% increase in my quote. I have not necessarly asked for exact pricing but a delta difference between units from 10 to 12 to 14 seer on the 2 ton, 2.5 ton and 5 ton units. I am also interested in the delta on the single speed air handler and the variable speed hair handlers.. so far, Ive been unable to get this type of information from the contractor!

Using that If I want a car with an V8 Vs a V6 or even a 4 I know what that upgrade price is.. and I can make a intellegent decesion, right!

Again, Im just trying to jusitify the additional cost the contractor is giving me to be more energy efficient. .That's all, I don't want his price's just the delta difference. is that so hard to figure out?

I agree, the dead horse syndrome, but,

I found it interesting to see that Goodman has a fairly good explination on their site regarding a higher seer rate for their units, at the same time, I can see on a number of sites that the Goodman product is about a 30% increase in cost over the 10 seer systems, and that is in line with the energy savings they are promoting..

Honestly, if Trane were offering a 70% savings for the 70% increase I'd buy that, but, again, the 70% upcharge for the 30% increase just does not equate.

As for a 3 to 4 times up charge from 10 seer seems a bit on the high size, I wonder what will happen to the building industry when the EPA demands 13 seer, or, will the manufactures have to adjust their prices down to meet competition.

I see alot of negitive posts on Goodman, but I also see their are one of the largest manufactures that is intersting I guess they aren't that bad, right?

Again, I appologize if I seem negitive on all this, I'm just a dollar and cents guy.. I like to see the numbers before making a decession.

I could get you those numbers if you would like

I don't think I am asking a difficult question, but perhpas you have answered it..

I am just wondering if I start with a 10 seer, and move up to the 12 and 14 seer models what is the reasonible upgrade cost, my contractor say 70%...

What no one seems to want to say is that a 10 seer Heat pump (equiptemnt only cost XXX dollars, to go to the 12 or 14 Seer the units cost is xxx much. it's the engine right, is it that difficult to explain the different costs in the units or is it propriority information?

Now all I have asked if the 10 seer cost 1,000 dollars, what is the price for the equiptment for the 12 and 14 seer untits in a 2 ton, 2.5 ton and a 5 ton application.

I am assuming the rough in for vents and electrcial is the same pretty much for all the units, so at that point i'ts equiptment only.

Now if I were looking at cars..I'd go to http://www.edmunds.com and look at the details there, I dont care about dealer pricing, just what is the differece to move up the ladder.. that's all. So far, I have not been able to establish that on Trane..

Thanks, I know I asking alot

well, I am sorry, I am not trying to go against forum rules, I have actually got lots of good info here, I think you understand my prediciment fairly well... with that said, thanks for the help you have given me..

I understand your concern about the cost effectiveness of upgrading equipment. While sharing this concern, I again want to mention do not mistake the forrest for the trees. Any sytem put in with leaky ducts (outside the thermal envelope) cuts the SEER rating of any system in about half! If you lower the heat gain/loss by 30 to 40% over code built homes, then 10 SEER or 12 SEER does not make a lot of difference. If it takes 500 to 600 sq. ft. per ton, the home is not designed properly or there is oversizing of capacity. If you are looking for comfort and savings, the thermal envelope is critical.

I hate to say it,, but you are concentrating way to much on price alone... Also, a quality hvac system is not suppose to save you more money on your bills due to better efficiency but is to provide better comfort with more protection to its components with addition of safeties..

As stated over and over,,, your tonage requirement seems way oversized or your home is going to be poorly built...
You need to check with your hvac contractor on the load calculation and see if he is capable of an energy analysis..

As I stated early on,, against forum pricing rules,, the cost your hvac contractor is charging is equal to hack pricing in my area.. There is no way that I would only charge that much for three systems on a change out(not including ductwork), it would be min that much $ maybe more depending on situations... I hope they are better hvac contractors than their price dictates..

I do not recommend any builder model units to my customers but I do quote them if they are only shopping on price not quality.. Just so you know, there are many builder model units in just on manufacturer that may get as high as 14seer but is still a builders model, that is why a quality unit is usually more than just 20% more cost than a builders model unit.. Some brands to go from a 10seer builders unit to a quality unit,, you have to jump over 4 other builders unit prices to get to a high quality unit..

You need to focus less on price and more on the contractor and load calculations...

As stated before,, I would rather have a builders unit installed by a great company.. Than any unit(even high quality unit$) installed by a hack..

Don't look at what this unit can save me,, look at how much more comfortable this quality contractor will keep me..

You are heading for disaster.. when focusing on price alone you are a deer in headlights and are bound to get hurt..
Good luck
J

Dave,
What advanced stated is correct,the extra will get you increased comfort,and the job needs to be designed and installed correctly!

One other thing ,the price you are getting may include a large markup by the builder,almost all will mark it up ,and that's normal,but I've heard of a few adding 35 to 45% to what the HVAC guy charges them.

Advanced response and Dash.. thanks

Ok,I hear what you are saying, I will quite with the price issue, I will talk to the HVAC guy re the size although, this guy is one of Trane's best installers in the area and it is he that does the load calcs on his computer but, I will ask him to look at it again.

Keep in mind, the house is what was the 5 ton and the 2.5 ton and that was when we were looking at a package unit down stairs and the split system upstairs. As of yesterday, we have now decided to use a split system down stairs also with the air handler under the house (we are on a raised foundation and have plenty of room according to them). In my first discussions the reason the HVAC guy went with the 5 ton I belive is that we were going with the plackaged system with a dual fuel set up with propane.

The 2 ton split system will be in a detached garage area above the garage, the total space is about 1,000 sq ft with 9 1/2 ft ceilings.

I appreciate everyones input, expecially the concerns over the size of the unit, I will deffinetly ask the questions and ask to see the calcs.

I also like the idea of the variable speed air handler, and I know all of this adds to extra costs.. but as you say a more comfortable living home.

My deal on the build is Cost + I pay all the bills, and invoices for material and labor and a construction fee, I feel that the contractor is very fair and in talking with folks in this town, he is one of the most respected quality builders around so I am confident in the house will be solid and at a fair price.

I'd be glad to call anyone of you to discuss this one on one, don't worry I'm not going to go on about price. I'll just have to look at what my options are and go with my gut feel.

davidki, where are you located, I need to find out how many cooling hours and heating hours in your area on average. If I remember right, you're talking heatpumps right? I can give you averages, this will give you an approximate idea.